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Marlins go for series win in Atlanta

Aug 28, 2008 - 10:08 AM Florida (68-65) at Atlanta (58-75) 7:10 p.m. EDT

ATLANTA (Ticker) -- Before the Florida Marlins being a crucial series with the leaders in the National League East, they will look to try and down the Atlanta Braves on Thursday.

The Marlins will entertain the New York Mets (74-60), who sit 5 1/2 games ahead of Florida for the division lead, this weekend.

First, Florida will go for consecutive series wins against Atlanta after dropping each of the first three series between the teams. For the season, the Marlins are 5-7 against the the Braves, who have lost 13 of 16.

Anibal Sanchez (2-2, 3.99) makes his sixth start since coming off the disabled list on July 31. The righthander is 0-1 in two road starts with a 5.56 ERA.

In his last start, Sanchez allowed eight hits and four runs in 6 1/3 innings and did not receive a decision in Florida's 5-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Braves counter with rookie Charlie Morton (3-8, 6.39). The righthander has lost three consecutive starts and six of seven overall.

Morton, 24, did not make it out of the second inning in his last start. He allowed four runs, five hits and five walks in just 1 1/3 innings. It was the fourth time in 13 starts Morton did not make it into the fifth.